Ryan And Rory Offer Track-By-Track Guide To Self-Titled Debut EP
“We see this first batch of songs as our musical mission statement,” Ryan explains.
Ryan and Rory; Photo by Daniel Brown
Emerging country duo, Ryan and Rory are kickstarting their career with a stand-out project that gives listeners an intimate look into the stories of their lives. Their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP is officially available now (July 26).
These singer/songwriters have been working together for just over a year now, but their love for music began at a young age. Ryan is a Nashville native, 2X PLATINUM No. 1 hit singer-songwriter, and American Music Award winner while Rory hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and has evolved into a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has played over 300 shows per year since he was 17. This Kevin Bard and Nick Zinnanti-produced project allows Ryan and Rory to come together to share their passion with fans in a way that finds them reflecting on their musical journeys and previewing the future of their career as a duo.
“We are so excited for everyone to hear these songs,” Rory shared. “Each one was inspired by real-life people and situations we’ve experienced over the last few years. The songs speak to the lives we live, and we hope that they do the same for everyone who loves country music like we do.”
“We see this first batch of songs as our musical mission statement,” Ryan added. “Great country songs are what we are about, and we could not be prouder to start our journey with these six. They are for true country music fans – the greatest fans in the world.”
As a son of hit songwriters Adrienne and Keith Follesé, Ryan used his extensive songwriting skills to co-pen all six tracks on the debut, including five with his acclaimed family members. Rory then lent his talent to the instrumentals as well as adding his silky harmonies to Ryan’s powerful lead vocals.
The project opens with their catchy, post-heartbreak summertime anthem, “Pour Decisions” which was released earlier this year, and continues to showcase licks of nostalgia, vibrancy, small-town pride, heartbreak, and more on songs like “Drunk and Lonely,” “This Town,” “State I’m In,” “Cowboy Cry,” and “Thanks Mama.”
Before listening to the EP, it’s important to understand how these songs came to be and the messages that the duo hopes to convey to listeners through them. So, to help you do this, Ryan and Rory have dug a bit deeper into the making of the project to share the stories behind each of the six tracks on their debut EP. Keep reading to learn more.
“Pour Decisions”
We would be lying if we said tequila wasn’t a co-writer on this song. Sometimes these kind of concepts can be tricky to write, but this is truly one of those songs that fell out as easy as tequila pours. Play it at the beach, on a lake – you’ll hear what we mean when we say it’s the perfect summer song.
“Drunk and Lonely”
We’ve always loved songs that can turn heartache into an anthem. The best ones can make you forget the heartache in no time—and get you living in the moment. Brooks and Dunn were always so great at that. Honestly, we purposely set out to create something that Brooks and Dunn would put their stamp of approval on. We also tried an unusual “gear change” in it that is just a blast. This song doesn’t make you sad. It does just the opposite: it makes you wanna grab the first girl you find and dance like the heartache never existed.
“Cowboy Cry”
We have all seen so many movies and heard so many songs where the cowboy up and rides away leaving the girl. Well, being raised by some really strong women, it just always seemed so unrealistic to us. The woman in this song wears the pants in any relationship she’s in. Don’t mess with her. This cowgirl is tough as nails.
“This Town”
This track came together seamlessly for us. Probably because it’s such a universal premise. It’s a love story. It’s a get-the-hell-out-of-Dodge story. It’s a believe-in-yourself story. It’s about finding the one you love, tucking tail and getting out there into the world together and convincing yourself to do it fearlessly when you are actually scared to death. It’s a feeling we’ve been blessed enough to experience, and we hope that this one speaks to you all as much as we feel it does to us.
“Thanks Mama”
This song is a special one, as everyone has that one woman in their life that just makes all the difference in everything they do; this is a tune especially for them. It helped immensely that we were both raised by strong women. Both our moms melted when they heard it for the first time. Our hope is that it melts your mom, too!
“State I’m In”
Have you ever made a massive mistake and just wanted to turn back the clock like it never happened? We certainly have both been there, and that’s what this song is about. Whether you picked the wrong person, the wrong town—or in this case, both—”State I’m In” is about realizing your mistake in time to fix it. As human beings, we’re often very impulsive people, and this is a track dedicated to everyone out there who finally realizes that they could sure use a “do-over.” It’s also just a drinkin’ song. And a banger at that. We love those.
Written by
Madeleine O’Connell
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.